Banj is on the bus

Defender travelling to Accrington although he's unlikely to be involved

Lanre Oyebanjo is back in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Accrington Stanley, although manager Mark Yates says it’s unlikely he will be involved in the game.

The former York right-back hasn’t started a game since April 14 last year because of a succession of knee injuries.

His comeback stalled last month when he picked up a thigh problem after returning to training but he is now back at work with the squad.

Mark explained: “We’ve got a training session in the north-west on Friday so Lanre’s going to come with us for that and to get used to being on a coach and preparing for an away game. He’s been to all our home matches this season but he’s probably forgotten what the team bus looks like!

“He’s probably three weeks away from being in contention. We’ve missed him a lot and I’m sure he’s desperate to be playing again.”

The boss estimates that fellow defender Joe McNerney, another defender plagued by knee trouble, is 3-4 weeks from a return to action as he continues his rehabilitation programme.

Midfielder Jimmy Smith, who broke his ankle at Portsmouth on January 2, is due to have his protective boot removed early next week and will then step up his recovery, with a view to being back in contention in 3-4 weeks.